"Bandicoot" <"insert_handle_here"@techemail.com> wrote in message news:1057114262.14770.0@echo.uk.clara.net...

> Oops, I had forgotten the OP was talking about a zoom. Yes, you are right

> that extention tubes are usually a very bad idea with zooms.

>

> My experience is that they do beat close-up lenses when used with

> fixed-focus primary lenses - and I simply don't try to use zooms for

> close-up work: I have other lenses that do it far better so I don't need to.

You might be surprised how good a good zoom well-matched with

an achromat can be for macro work (at optimum stops and magnification).

The results can be as good as the best macro lens...